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Used on a massive scale in urban areas during recent armed conflicts, explosive weapons have killed and maimed thousands of civilians in countries including Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Afghanistan.

The victims of the bomb attacks, civilians are forced to flee their home countries and head for refugee camps in neighbouring countries, or the coast of Europe.

After a 30-year campaign against anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions which led to the Ottawa Mine Ban Convention (1997) and the Oslo Convention on Cluster Munitions (2008), Humanité & Inclusion is now taking action to stop the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

Once a conflict ends, the legacy of explosive weapons makes it dangerous for the local population to return. Civilians who return home are exposed to the danger of weapons that did not explode on impact, called “explosive remnants of war”.

Seventy countries are currently contaminated by explosive remnants of war, which can remain active for many decades after the end of a conflict. They pose a barrier to reconstruction, and make it difficult to access fields or services, trapping countries in poverty.

Civilians continue to be killed and injured by explosive remnants of war left behind after the end of hostilities. Their presence makes even a short journey dangerous. They hinder reconstruction and paralyse the movement of a whole population. It is vital to inform people about the risks and to teach them how to respond appropriately in order to save lives.

Civilians in danger

Meet Abdul, Rarad, Sami and Amal. They were at home, in the street or visiting friends when they were seriously injured in bomb attacks. Some have lost one or more relatives. Each had to flee their country of origin and leave behind their home, work, family and friends. Like them, many civilians are exposed to the danger of bombs and explosive remnants of war and are forced to escape. Civilians must be protected!

SYRIA

Abdul

10

After suffering serious injuries, Abdul needed several operations to save his right leg, which was immobilised for four months. He will need a lot of physiotherapy and help from an occupational therapist to avoid developing hip, ankle and back complications. The close relationship between Abdul and Humanité & Inclusion’s team help him to bear the pain and keep on smiling as he does his exercises.

Due to their blast and fragmentation effect, explosive weapons kill or cause complex injuries. Their widespread use, combined with the lack of appropriate surgical care in Syria, has a devastating impact on people’s lives. If injuries are not correctly treated, patients may never fully recover and develop permanent injuries.

SYRIA

Rarad

10

Rarad’s home was bombed in 2013. She was so badly injured her leg had to be amputated. She will need several operations before her stump is ready to be fitted with an artificial limb. Determined to walk again, Rarad accepts each difficult stage of her recovery with courage. She can now play with other girls again in the camp where she has taken refuge with her family.

SYRIA | LEBANON

Sami

35

Sami had his right leg amputated after being seriously injured in a bomb attack in 2012. Since then, he has been cared for by Humanité & Inclusion. He has been given an artificial leg and continues to do his muscle strengthening and balance exercises. He walks several kilometres a day with his neighbour, in addition to his physiotherapy sessions. Sami is determined to regain his independence so he can meet the needs of his wife and children.

SYRIA | JORDAN

Amal

26

Amal has four children. In 2012, she was at home when her house was hit by a bomb. A wall fell on top of her, seriously injuring her spine, and she is now paraplegic. Since Amal and her husband took refuge in Lebanon, she has been cared for by Humanité & Inclusion. As well as physiotherapy sessions, Amal has been given mobility aids and special equipment: a wheelchair, orthoses (leg supports), muscle-building blocks and a bed.

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Co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Humanité & Inclusion is an international aid organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. Working alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, we take action and raise awareness in order to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.